STAND FIRM IN THE FAITH

Saturday July 9, 2016.

Author : Bishop Julius Okarike

Verse Of The Day : Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be man of courage; be strong – 1 Cornthians 16 : 13

LISTEN : The Christian faith is a battle, it faces oppositions daily from virtually all religions and people around the world. Believers in Christ all over the world experiences persecution and violent attacks daily as they attempt to advance the gospel of Christ. Today, There’re countries where the gospel is not welcome; as a result, offenders are punished by death or imprisonment. In such places, being a disciple of Christ is to be prepared to die practically.

Because of the fear of torture and possibly death, many christians usually decline taking their missionary work to such ungodly places. Due to these challenges of christianity, many have resorted to playing safe in the ministry. What we forgot to realise is what Christ said about our calling; he said, ” I have told you all these things so that you don’t fall away. They will put you out of the synagogue, yet a time is coming when the one who kills you will think he is offering service to God. They will do these things because they have not known the Father or me”( John 16 : 1 – 3 ).

Apostle Paul in encouraging the Corinthian christians said, ” Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be man of courage; be strong” ( 1 Cor.16:13 ). The meaning of which is, don’t be ignorant but watch every attempt that the enemy the devil is making at all times. Remain unshakeable in your conviction about Christ, don’t give up on your faith no matter what. Keep pressing on even when there is no more strength to go on. Don’t give in to faintheartedness and fear, instead be strong.

Beloved, are you spiritually weak and fainthearted? Does it appear that you don’t have any more strength to go on? Are you at the verge of wrecking your priceless faith? I have a word for you from the throne of grace; be strong. You have gone too far to quit. Just hold on, help is coming for you. Arise! Go to the throne of grace and obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need ( Hebrews 4:16 ). Cheer up, you will make it to the end in Jesus ‘ name, amen.

Having read today’s devotional, what should be your responsibility?

1. Determine to stand strong in the faith.2. Be courageous in the face of challenges.3. Be on the guard for the devil’s schemes.4. Go to God in prayer because your strength is not enough.

Daily Task
Don’t forget that the christian faith is a battle, therefore prepare for it with the help of God.

Daily Reflection : Because the christian faith is a battle, therefore God does not leave us without the necessary weapons.

Prayer
Almighty God of host, I realised today how vulnerable I am without you. Therefore, I ask for strength from above, grant me the grace to be strong in the faith, in Jesus ‘ name, amen.